Course Name: Physics Lab

Course Code: PHY-102

Submitted to:

Md. Rakibul Islam

Lecturer,
East Delta University

Submitted by:

Name: Pamel
Mohajan
ID: 233001310
Department: Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Date of Submission: 22 February 2024

Experiment No: 03

To study variation of time with the effective length of a simple pendulum of a given mass
and interpret the result. Also plot its L-T2 graph.

Theory:

A simple pendulum consists of a heavy metallic (brass) sphere with a hook (bob) suspended
from a rigid stand, with clamp by a weightless, inextensible, and perfectly flexible thread
through a slit cork, capable of oscillating in a single plane, without any friction, with a small
amplitude (less than 150) as shown in figure 3.1. There is no ideal simple pendulum. In practice,
we make a simple pendulum by tying a metallic spherical bob to a fine cotton stitching thread.

The spherical bob may be regarded by as a point mass at its Centre G. The distance between the
point of suspension S and the Centre G of the spherical bob is to be regarded as the effective
length of the pendulum as shown in figure 3.1. The effective length of a simple pendulum,

L = l + h + r. Where l is the length of the thread, h is length of hook, r is radius of bob.

 Figure 3.1

The simple pendulum produces Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) as the acceleration of the
pendulum bob is directly proportional to its displacement from the mean position and is always
directed towards it. The time (T) of a simple pendulum for oscillations of small amplitude, is
given by the relation,

T = 2 π √ (L/g)

Where, g = value of acceleration due to gravity and L is the effective length of the pendulum.

T2 = (4π2/g) X L

Or, T2 = KL (K= constant)

and g = 4π2(L/T2)

If T is plotted along the Y-axis and L along the X-axis, we should get a parabola. If T 2 is plotted
along the Y- axis and L along the X-axis, we should get a straight line passing through the
origin.

Procedure:

1. Find the vernier constant and zero error of the vernier calipers same as experiment 1.
2. Measure the radius (r) of the bob using vernier calipers same as experiment 1.
3. Measure the length of hook (h) and note it on the table 1.
4. Since h and r is already known, adjust the length of the thread l to make L = l + h + r an
integer (say L = 62.12 cm) and mark it as M 1 with ink. Making L an integer will make the
drawing easier. (You can measure the distance between the point of suspension (ink mark)
and the point of contact between the hook and the bob directly. Hence you get l + h directly).
5. Similarly mark M2, and M3, on the thread as distance (L) of 41.12 cm, and 46.12 cm,
respectively.
6. Pass the thread through the two half-pieces of a split cork coming out just from the ink mark
(M1).
7. Tight the split cork between the clamp such that the line of separation of the two pieces of the
split cork is at right angles to the line along which the pendulum oscillates.
8. Fix the clamp in the stand and place it on the table such that the bob is hanging at-least 2 cm
above the base of the stand.
9. Mark a point A on the table (use a chalk) just below the position of bob at rest and draw a
straight-line BC of 10 cm having a point A at its Centre. Over this line bob will oscillate.
10. Find the least count and the zero error of the stop clock/watch. Bring its hands at zero
position.
11. Move the bob by hand to over position B on the right of A and leave. See that the bob returns
over line BC. Make sure that bob is not spinning.
 12. Now counting oscillations, from the instant bob passes through its mean position L, where its
velocity is maximum. So starting from L it traverses LL 2, L2L, LL1, L1L hence, one
oscillation is completed. We have to find time for 10 such oscillations.
13. Now start the stop watch at the instant the bob passes through the mean position A. Go on
counting the number of oscillations it completes. As soon as it completes 10 oscillations, stop
the watch. Note the time t for 10 oscillations in the table 1.
14. Repeat the measurement at least 3 times for the same length.
15. Now increase the length of the thread by 10 cm or 15 cm (M 2) and measure the time t for this
length as explained from step 6 to 14.
16. Repeat step 15 for at least 3 more different lengths.

Observations:

Vernier constant:

Vernier constant of the vernier calipers, V.C. = 0.05 cm

Zero error, ±e = 0 cm

Diameter of the bob and length of hook:

Observe diameter of the bob: = (i) 1.47 cm, (ii) 1.50 cm.

Mean diameter of bob, d0 = 1.49 cm.

Mean corrected diameter of bob, d = d0 ±e = 1.49 cm.

Radius of the bob, r = d/2= 0.745 cm.

Length of the hook, h= 2.375 cm.

Standard value acceleration due to gravity, g1: 980 cm s-2

Table 1 Determination of time-periods for same lengths of the different pendulum.

Length Effective Time for 10

Radius of of the length oscillations Mean time Time period
Bob bob with thread L=l+ T =10 s
no. zero error and (h+ r) t 1 +t 2+ t 3
t1 t2 t3 t= s
correction hook, cm 3
(l+h) cm s s s

1. 0.745 61.375 62.12 15.85 15.78 15.89 15.84 1.584

2. 0.745 40.375 41.12 12.54 12.59 12.53 12.55 1.255

3. 0.745 45.375 46.12 13.69 13.90 13.73 13.77 1.377

Calculation:

We know, T = 2 π √ (L/g)

Experimental value, g1 = 4π2(L/T2) = 9.98 ms-1 (T= 1.403, L= 49.79)

So, %error = (g-g1)/g *100

= (9.8 – 9.98) *100

= -1.844

Graph:

L vs T2 Graph

Plot the graph between L and T2 from the observations recorded in the table 1. Take L along X-
axis and T2 along Y-axis. The L-T2 curve is a straight line passing through the (0, 0) point. So the
origin of the graph should be chosen (0, 0). As shown in figure 3.2.
 Figure 3.2

Discussion: The data collected exhibited a clear trend, showcasing an increase and decrease in
the period as the length of the pendulum. To validate our hypothesis, the experimental periods
were compared with the calculated theoretical periods using the formula T = 2 π √ (L/g). The
theoretical values closely matched the experimental results, confirming the direct proportionality
between the length of the pendulum and its period. The experiment validated the hypothesis that
the period of a simple pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of its length, as
predicted by the equation T = 2 π √ (L/g). The results emphasize the significance of length in
determining the oscillatory behavior of a simple pendulum and highlight the principles of simple
harmonic motion.